Any info or ID on this tent?

[SEREvince]

It looks they sell for around $1300-$1400 shipped. Looking at tent options in the EU.

http://cgi.ebay.it/CAR-TOP-TENT-CAR...086629QQihZ013QQcategoryZ108846QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks

Vince

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Looks exactly like a Mombasa, albeit with some of the pics showing different colors. I guess we will never know as they did a most impressive job of implanting their logo

 

[adventureduo]

Yeah, nice crappy photoshop of their logo on the tent. Why can't people take their own pics? Always makes me wonder about that. Makes me wonder what brand they really are selling.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Yeah, nice crappy photoshop of their logo on the tent. Why can't people take their own pics? Always makes me wonder about that. Makes me wonder what brand they really are selling.

I'm still in the discovery stage... but I've been told that the ARB Simpson II, the Mombasa, and the Open Sky all come from the same place(s), mabey sister factories or something like that. They all have unique colors, and the ARB has a few features the others don't as I noted in my very breif review. Could their be a fourth? I think Mel @ Mombasa mentioned they were the only one selling them in the US (NA?), so mabey the factory sells them to other outfits in others regions?

 

[adventureduo]

I'm still in the discovery stage... but I've been told that the ARB Simpson II, the Mombasa, and the Open Sky all come from the same place(s), mabey sister factories or something like that. They all have unique colors, and the ARB has a few features the others don't as I noted in my very breif review. Could their be a fourth? I think Mel @ Mombasa mentioned they were the only one selling them in the US (NA?), so mabey the factory sells them to other outfits in others regions?

Wow, now that would be a crazy breakthough. Keep us updated if you hear anymore. I had yet to hear that from Mel, but i haven't spoke with him in over a month.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Wow, now that would be a crazy breakthough. Keep us updated if you hear anymore. I had yet to hear that from Mel, but i haven't spoke with him in over a month.

I have no doubts the ARB and the Mombasa share some parts... all of the structural parts are the same... I can only assume they come out of the same factory. I was told the Open Sky is the same deal... but I've never seen one firsthand so I can't comment there. But, the design of the Open Sky and the Mombasas are very similar, rebadges??

I really don't have an issue with rebadges, lots of great products out there, sold under a different name in different markets... all is well by me. I don't like the crappy photochop images in that ebay auction... makes you wonder if they have ever even set one up. All too often I see the lowest price at the place that has the least experience with the product.

 

[adventureduo]

What i find is weird too is lack of pricing control. I've seen pricing all over the board.

 

[Mike S]

You're in Italy?

Why would you pay to freight a Chinese tent from the US??

Call AutoHome, Italy and talk to them - at least you'll get a tent backed by warranty, spare parts - and with no duties or freight to pay.

The factory is in Montova... PM me for contact info.

 

[elcoyote]

I have no doubts the ARB and the Mombasa share some parts... all of the structural parts are the same... I can only assume they come out of the same factory. I was told the Open Sky is the same deal... but I've never seen one firsthand so I can't comment there. But, the design of the Open Sky and the Mombasas are very similar, rebadges??

They are exactly that. They all come from the same factory, they all use the same hardware. We have tested the Open Sky, Rooftop Tent and another sample, unbadged, directly from the factory. The platforms, hardware, ladders and covers are identical. The fabrics are different. They are all entry level tents.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

They are exactly that. They all come from the same factory, they all use the same hardware. We have tested the Open Sky, Rooftop Tent and another sample, unbadged, directly from the factory. The platforms, hardware, ladders and covers are identical. The fabrics are different. They are all entry level tents.

Good to know... I figured as much, but glad to have it confirmed. That being said, the ARB unit did seem to have a higher quality of build than that of the Mobasas I have seen? We had the two side by side, and while the new Mobasa is far better than the earlier unit, it still had its share of minor manufacturing flaws. The ARB didn't seem to have any though I havn't had a chance to really crawl all over it like I have the Mombasa. I was told ARB received an initial Simpson II unit to check out, they made note of several needed QC issues and addressed them for their production unit.

I would agree with the entry level tent, I think they likely rank along side with the Ezi-Awn Econo tents, while not meeting the quality that the Series 3 Ezi-Awns are constructed too. I havn't had more than a quick look at the AutoHome units, but they seem right up there with the Ezi-Awn units. Both killer units, a "get what you pay for" item for sure.

I really think these "entry level" tents are a good thing for the market, some may disagree right now... but I forsee many of those that have these entry level tents, stepping up to the top dollar units in the coming years, I know I will. And too boot, many of those same users might have never got into the "roof top tent bandwagon" had the low buck units not flooded the market. We will have to wait and see if my prediction comes true, but I think they will help propel the market as a whole.

 

[SEREvince]

Why would you pay to freight a Chinese tent from the US??

Call AutoHome, Italy and talk to them - at least you'll get a tent backed by warranty, spare parts - and with no duties or freight to pay.

The factory is in Montova... PM me for contact info.

I've looked at Autohome and I haven't ruled them out, but with the weak dollar and VAT, goods made here are often still cheaper to buy in the US and ship here. I have no idea why that is.

The only drawback I see to the Overland is the lack of the extended awnings.

I'm only a few hours from Montovano and I have been saying I'm going to stop by there for ever now. I need to just do it maybe on the way to Parma to pick up some ham and cheese. :chowtime:

 

[elcoyote]

I really think these "entry level" tents are a good thing for the market, some may disagree right now... but I forsee many of those that have these entry level tents, stepping up to the top dollar units in the coming years, I know I will. And too boot, many of those same users might have never got into the "roof top tent bandwagon" had the low buck units not flooded the market. We will have to wait and see if my prediction comes true, but I think they will help propel the market as a whole.

I think you're spot on. They will help the market overall by creating awareness about the RTT concept and give people options based upon their pocket book. In the end, the heavy users will opt for the better built tent while the entry level models will serve a need. Interesting fact though, EeziAwn sells very few of the Econo models.

 

[Mike S]

The only drawback I see to the Overland is the lack of the extended awnings.

We're working on an excellent solution. Not ready quite yet.

I'm only a few hours from Montovano and I have been saying I'm going to stop by there for ever now. I need to just do it maybe on the way to Parma to pick up some ham and cheese. :chowtime:

You should make the trip. Nice people, and you can see the modern factory, and how they build the tents before ordering. Last time I was there the town was celebrating "1000 years of cheese". The food in Italy is to die for...:chowtime:

M